Gadget Blog

Apple creating better-sounding speakerphone for iOS devices

Lance Whitney — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:35:47 +0000

(Credit: Apple)

iPhone and iPad users unhappy with their speakerphones may be treated to better sound in future models.

Apple has invented a new speakerphone system for iOS devices, according to a patent published yesterday by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The patent application is filled with pages of the usual technical jargon.

But in a nutshell, Apple is redesigning and repositioning the traditional speaker and surrounding components to enhance the quality of the audio possible in a relatively small space. Though the patent doesn't tout any specific benefits to consumers, "the new speaker positioning could provide iOS devices with generally superior sound, even when docked," according to Patently Apple.

Speakers on mobile phones tend to offer weak sound due to their small size. Even laptops and tablets don't have enough space for high-quality speakers, a factor acknowledged by Apple in its patent application.

There is a range of consumer electronics devices that are not dedicated or specialized audio playback devices, yet can benefit... [Read more]

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Retro 1980s case turns iPhone into ‘brick’ handset

Amanda Kooser — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:56:59 +0000

Would you describe this retro iPhone case as "rad" or "bodacious?"

(Credit: ThinkGeek)

Once upon a time, only the coolest (and wealthiest) people had mobile phones, and those phones were the size of a large guinea pig. This magical time was known as the 1980s.

Paging Mr. Hasselhoff, your phone is ready. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: ThinkGeek)

If you pine for the days when acid wash jeans and Phil Collins ruled America, then ThinkGeek's Retro iPhone Case is for you.

Slip your iPhone into this case and lose all pretense to having a sleek, modern telecommunications device. All of a sudden, you have a brick-sized 1980s phone to go with your "Miami Vice" pop-collar jacket and gelled hair.

This honkin' huge case is gigantic enough to insulate your iPhone from bumps, but it still allows access to your touch screen.

Apple’s Censorship of ‘Jailbreak’ in iTunes Makes Zero Sense

Gadget News — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:17:34 +0000

Apple's fears of jailbreaking -- i.e. making their gadgets work outside of Apple's software controls -- have trickled down to the iTunes store in a way that just doesn't make any sense. As a method of using iPhones and iPads in unauthorized ways, you can at least understand why Apple would like jailbreaking. But jailbreaking is also a word that means escaping jail, which is a common theme in music and movies and TV shows that Apple sells. ...

Fab.com Shares What Facebook Friends Are Buying

Gadget News — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:36:54 +0000

Ecommerce shop Fab.com is an industry game changer, deeply integrating social media into its unique way of selling tech gadgets, tailored dresses, innovative kitchenware and extraordinary home decor.

Is Total Gadget Immersion Good or Bad for Kids? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Gadget News — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:55:30 +0000

Gadgets such as smartphones and tablets are becoming more and more embedded in kids' lives. From middle schoolers with smartphones to babies who are comfortable with an iPad but can't work a magazine, many children today grow up as true digital natives. And parents are catching on that gadgets can help control and distract their little rugrats.

Japan firm unveils gesture controlling device

Gadget News — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:15:27 +0000

Japanese technology titan NEC has unveiled a gadget that allows users to control their TV, mobile phone or tablet computer using a virtual input device.

Why Is Apple So Scared?

Gadget News — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:15 +0000

As Android widens its lead in the smartphone and tablet marketplace, Apple is starting to look a little frightened. The company that once answered to nobody (but Steve Jobs) seems to be cowering in the shadows of folks like Samsung and HTC. Instead of doing its normal trick of breaking conventions, Apple actually looks like it's going on the defensive with the latest designs for the iPhone and iPad and changing the specs of their flagship devices to match those of its competitors' gadgets. It's beyond mere imitation, though. ...

Google’s Goggles Will Be Less Creepy and Awesome than Anticipated

Gadget News — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:29:12 +0000

Today Google got its three pending patents approved for those creepy yet awesome (yet mostly creepy) augmented reality glasses it announced in April. Looking at the patents, via Endgadget's Sharif Sakr we see all sorts of crazy ideas for what Google had in mind that don't line up with the actual glasses we're seeing come out of Google. ...

Sony launches Android-powered Walkman to compete with iPod Touch

Gadget News — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:14:00 +0000

Last year, Sony saw potential in Android’s platform and launched the Xperia PLAY handset for gamers. Now, Sony is after music lovers, reviving the Walkman as a connected device. The NWZ-Z1050 is Sony’s first Android-powered mobile media player, and could be a promising gadget for the forlorn OEM. It comes with a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, a 4.3-inch WVGA (800x400 pixels) touchscreen and an S-Master MX digital amplifier. You’ll also find the same app in the A-Series media players from Sony, and these amps reportedly deliver less noise and distortion than previous versions. ...

How consumer-electronics makers are faring

Gadget News — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:27:40 +0000

A look at how selected makers of phones and other consumer-electronic gadgets are faring: